Movie Review - Dear Secret Santa

Dear Secret Santa

2013

The Cast

This is the Christmas version of The Lake House with a magic wishing well thrown in.  After receiving a call that her father has fallen, Jennifer rushes back to her childhood home where she starts to learn a few truths about herself.  Then one night she throws a coin into the wishing well and wishes for true love.  The next morning she finds a Christmas Card waiting for her in the mailbox and it's signed Secret Santa.  There's another card the following morning so she sets out to find out who her Secret Santa is.  She quickly realises it's none of the men she suspects and as the days pass and the cards keep arriving she comes to the conclusion that the sender is Jack, the boy next door.  The bad thing is Jack died three years previously in a car accident.

Though this is a touching story, especially in respect to Jennifer and her fathers strained relationship, and romantic, with the paranormal letter writing, there are a few things which stop this from being a great movie.  Though it was nice to see Ali in gold lingerie after her hospital gown gets caught in a door, the scene isn't needed as it adds nothing to the film and there's no other similar "Bawdy" jokes in the movie - had it been a "Carry On" film this scene would have been spot on, but is just awkward here.  Another awkward scene is when Jennifer goes to meet an author on the paranormal (especially probable time-travel).  This is because the scene feels rushed and thrown in just so Della Reese can make an appearance.  It's Jennifer's unquestioning belief in the time-travel theory which doesn't sit right in my claw.  This is made more awkward when Reece's character starts to belittle her own work in the field.  Once again, this is another superfluous scene.  Had it been better written it could have added a little more depth to the tale.

That said, on the whole, this is a very good and heartwarming story that is well acted and nicely filmed.  If you like romance, Christmas, and heartwarming family dramas then this will be for you.  It is well worth one watch and has made it onto my "Watch Again" list - though I may have to have a couple of years between viewings.

I give this a time-travelling seasonal 7 out of 10.

The Trailer

Movie Review - The Year Without A Santa Claus

The Year Without A Santa Claus

2006

The Cast

 

Though this movie sports a decent cast it still falls short of creating a decent movie.  For one, the story isn't too original.  Santa is feeling a little under-appreciated and so decides to take the year off.  The thing is he doesn't since everything is resolved before Christmas Eve - so even the title of the movie is incorrect.

Then, though I've loved Goodman since Rosanne, he just doesn't cut it as the big guy, and his head elf in charge of toy production, Sparky (Kattan), is just plain annoying.  If it wasn't for Ethan Suplee and Eddie Griffin as the rogue elves in search of a human child who still believes in Christmas then this would have been one dire movie.

Harvey Fierstein is great as the Fire Meiser who along with his brother Snow Meiser control the Earths weather.  It's Fierstein's loud and gruff voice along with his overacting that adds to the comedic performance of his character.  It's just a shame that they have to sing... and to have some pretty dreadful special effects, especially in the boxing match when Sparky gets into the action.

There are a few decent ideas, such as "The Divide" which separates the real world from The North Pole and "The Veil" which keeps them hidden from onlookers.  There are also a few good scenes, I particularly liked the BEGOTHS at the toy expo in the opening sequence.

That said, I wouldn't really recommend this movie to many people as it appears staid and dated by today's standards.  I even think that kids could be bored and uninterested as the film is uncertain of its audience - kids, teens, young adults, adults?  It feels uncomfortable trying to please everyone.

If there's nothing else on and you're trapped in your home while in a blizzard and there's nothing else to watch...

I give this film a not so naughty and not so nice 4.75 out of 10

The Film Clip

Movie Review - Beverly Hills Christmas

Beverly Hills Christmas

2015

The Cast

If it wasn't for Dean Cain and some of the supporting cast this would have been a really dire movie.  As it stands, it's badly written (though the premise is sound and should have made a better story), even worsely directed, and poorly acted.

The movie is lacking in wit, humour, melancholy, and Christmas atmosphere.  In fact, this should only be shown as a "How NOT to make a Christmas Film".

Though I suffered through the really bad acting at the beginning of the movie, it did appear that Donna and Ravin Spangler started to get into their characters at the halfway stage... or I could've just adapted to their horrendous acting.

I wouldn't advise anybody to watch this film at any time as there are so many better Christmas Films around, which I would recommend over this one.

I give this a boring and icy 4 out of 10.

The Trailer

Movie Review - Unlikely Angel

Unlikely Angel

1996

The Cast

This is a highly enjoyable tale of a family who has distanced themselves from one another after the death of their mother and wife.  Dolly Parton does an excellent job of country singer Ruby Diamond who dies in a car accident while trying not to run over a young deer.  This act of selflessness gives her the chance to progress into Heaven rather than Hell, as long as she can complete one task by midnight of Christmas Eve... to bring the broken and grieving family back together.

In the true nature of this type of Christmas tale trials and tribulations are thrown in her way.  What sets this above most of this ilk is the quality of the story, which isn't overly melodramatic but humorous and witty.  And the cast, which works well together, is superb with the comedic elements of the script, especially Roddy McDowell as Saint Peter.

As Christmas flicks go this is one of the best and well worth a watch - it should easily put a smile on your face.

It's also a bonus that Dolly Parton's wardrobe is stitched together to show off every one of her other obvious assets... 

This is a film that I would recommend to Crimbo lovers and romantics alike - also if you have an interest in anything paranormal or slightly religious or like a good laugh then this could be for you.  At least it's a good way to waste an hour and a half.

I give this a fire crackling 7.25 out of 10.

Trailer

Dolly Parton Sings "Unlikely Angel" - From the movie.